Structural reliability analysis of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls in compression designed to Chinese code GB 50003

The safety and reliability of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry is not accurately known for Chinese practice, as well as internationally. The present paper develops a probabilistic model to calculate the structural reliability of typical reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls, loaded concentrically and eccentrically in compression. The effect of probability distribution of model error, material strengths, live load type, structural safety class, live-to-dead ratio, reinforcement ratio, discretization of wall thickness, eccentricity and load effect combination were considered when calculating the structural reliability of reinforced grouted concrete block masonry walls in compression. When using the recommended distribution of model error for typical second safety class structures the existing (design) safety levels were found to be close to the target reliability for concentric compression.